Behind The Scenes

5. I Miss You, Dad.

The weekend had arrived, and while most of my peers looked forward to leisure and fun, it was my designated time for work. I juggled multiple part-time jobs, trying to bridge the ever-widening gap in our family's income. It was exhausting, but it was a responsibility I had shouldered for as long as I could remember.

Despite the long hours and the weight of our financial struggles, I found a sense of purpose in my work. It was the only way I could contribute to our family's well-being, and I was determined to do whatever it took to keep us afloat.

But the weekend brought with it not only work but unexpected expenses. The cost of King's medication was more than I could afford, and the vet had presented a harsh reality. I had to make the heartbreaking decision to put him down.

As I sat in the vet's office, King in my arms, my mind drifted to the connection between my dad and King. He had been the one to bring King's mother into our lives, and the memories of those early days were both comforting and painful. King had been a link to my dad, a silent reminder of the father I had barely known.

With a heavy heart, I left the vet's office and made my way to the cemetery. I sat by my dad's grave, a place of solace for me. I couldn't help but wonder how different my life would be if he were still alive. His absence had cast a long shadow over our family, and I often felt the weight of his memory.

Returning home, I was devastated by King's passing, but I had made a decision. I needed to be open with my mom, both about King and about her job search. It was time to confront the reality of our situation.

I walked into the living room, and there she was, my mom, slouched on the couch, a lit cigarette dangling from her fingers. Her eyes were vacant, as if lost in the thick haze of her own thoughts.I took a deep breath, my heart heavy with the news I was about to share. "Mom, I've got something to tell you."

Her gaze shifted from the cigarette to me, but her eyes remained distant. "What is it, Ruby?"

"King is really sick," I began, my voice trembling with the weight of the words. "The vet said he has a heart condition, and we can't afford the medication. I had to make the decision to put him down."

Her eyes widened, and the cigarette fell from her fingers, unnoticed. "King? But he's... he's a part of your dad."

I nodded, tears welling up in my eyes. "I know, Mom. But there was no other choice. King was suffering."

A tear escaped her eye, and she wiped it away. "I didn't realize it had come to this. I'm so sorry, Ruby."

The conversation shifted, and I gathered my resolve. "We can't keep going like this, Mom. We need to make some changes."

She sighed and looked at me with a mixture of regret and determination. "You're right. I used to be a hard worker, and I'll do my best to find a job. I just lost my way after your dad..."

I cut in gently, "I miss him too, Mom, but we have to move forward. And there's something else I want you to do."

"What is it?" she asked, her voice filled with a sense of surrender.

With a deep breath, I said firmly, "You have to quit smoking. It's not just about getting a job; it's about taking care of yourself."

Her eyes met mine, and she nodded, a mixture of emotions playing across her face. "You're right, Ruby. I'll do it. For both of us."

It was a pivotal moment, a step toward change and healing. The weight of our shared responsibility lay heavy on both of us, but in that moment, there was a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.
As I lay in bed, my thoughts were consumed by memories of King. His gentle eyes, his wagging tail, the way he'd curl up beside me on the coldest of nights. He had been my companion, my confidant, and a link to the father I barely knew.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I remembered the day he had come into our lives. My dad had adopted King's mother from a shelter, and King had been the sole survivor of that litter. He was a beacon of hope in those early days, a sign that life could move forward even after tragedy.

With a heavy heart, I whispered into the darkness, "I miss you, King. You were more than just a pet; you were family. Now, both you and Dad are gone, and I'm left to navigate this world alone."

I reached out for the photo of King on my nightstand, a cherished memory that I couldn't bear to put away just yet. The tears fell, and I clung to the photograph, seeking comfort in the frozen image of my loyal friend.

King's passing had left a void in my heart, one that couldn't be filled. The night was filled with the sound of my quiet sobs, and the weight of my grief pressed down on me like a heavy blanket.

Sleep eluded me that night as I mourned the loss of a faithful companion, a connection to the father I had barely known. In the silence of my room, I whispered a silent promise to never forget the love and companionship King had brought into our lives.